Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels in women with postmenopausal hot flushes

Abstract

Aim: To study a possible association between the potent vasodilatory nitric oxide and postmenopausal hot flushes.

Methods: We compared the release of nitric oxide in 150 recently menopausal women reporting no (n = 23), mild (n = 34), moderate (n = 30), or severe (n = 63) hot flushes. Plasma samples, collected after a 48-h arginine-poor diet, were assessed for the metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx), using the Griess reaction.

Results: Levels of NOx showed no association with the severity of hot flushes. Furthermore, no relationships with individual hot flushes and serum levels of estradiol or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were detected.

Conclusions: These preliminary data indicate that nitric oxide appears not to be a factor in hot flushes and might not be related to their etiology. Since a fasting plasma NOx measurement may not reflect what happens at the time of the hot flush episode, in future studies there should be an attempt to assess nitric oxide release during a concomitant hot flush.